Extended truck ban mulled as MMDA cites ‘success’

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday raised the possibility of extending the truck ban that the agency started implementing last month, citing its “success” in easing traffic during the holidays.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said he had started consultations with the Metro Manila Council (MMC) regarding the extension.

“As per our initial assessment, the first three-week implementation of this modified truck ban has been a success, especially in reducing traffic congestion in our road networks,” Tolentino said in a statement.

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The holiday truck ban took effect on Dec. 7 last year and is supposed to last till Jan. 6.

It bars trucks with a gross weight of 4,500 kilograms or more on Metro Manila roads from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except on public holidays and Sundays.

The regular truck ban, meanwhile, is enforced only from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.

Tolentino reminded motorists that the total truck ban on Edsa remains in effect, but that trucks carrying perishable goods are exempted from the modified truck ban.—Jaymee T. Gamil